North American PCB book-to-bill ratio hits highest level in five years

Sales and order growth continued for the North American PCB industry in August and the book-to-bill ratio climbed to 1.13, its highest level in more than five years.

Total North American PCB shipments increased 1.5 percent in August 2015 compared to August 2014. Year-to-date shipment growth stood at -0.1, reflecting the negative sales growth rates seen earlier this year. Compared to the previous month, PCB shipments were up 3.6 percent.

PCB bookings grew 24.1 percent compared to August 2014, increasing year-to-date order growth to 6.2 percent. Orders were up 11.3 percent in August compared to the previous month.

“Growth in North American PCB sales and orders continued in August and orders were especially strong,” said Sharon Starr, IPC’s director of market research. “The book-to-bill ratio reached its highest level since May 2010,” she added, “which is a strong indicator of positive sales growth in the fourth quarter of this year and into next year.”